Coconut milk and oil is often berated because its fat levels contain about 90% saturated fat. It is often dismissed as a high-fat food and thus eliminated from many diets or viewed as an occasional unhealthy 'treat'.
It is a staple of many Caribbean dishes (as well as Thai, Indian dishes) for its unique flavour.
But is it really bad food?
Well there is growing evidence that a diet containing these fats actually have numerous health benefits and are not contributors to high levels of blood cholesterol.
The benefits include:
- improved lung function;
- reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases - by unclogging arteries;
- boosting the immune system, due to it's anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties;
- aids in digestion;
- its short and medium chain fatty acids being readily converted to energy, rather than being stored as fat;
- a rich source of Vitamin A, E, potassium, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc;
- excellent at providing hydration;
- lactose free, therefore a good substitute for milk;
- high in antioxidants;
- contains less sugar and more protein than bananas, apples or oranges;
- Coconut oil has the ability to act as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent
Well worth incorporating into your diet, whether you follow a strict Paleo lifestyle or not.